Brad Paquette, R, represents the 78th District, which covers Berrien county. 

I would like to thank you for taking the time to read about what is going on at the Capitol. Your active citizenship encourages me, and I strive to serve you to the best of my ability. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my team in my office at the Capitol because I am blessed to have Adam and Leah as staff helping to serve you. They are individuals of integrity who are on the front lines of providing the strong constituent services you all deserve. When an issue arises, and a citizen contacts my office, they are the first to greet you and begin the work to help resolve your challenge. They work tirelessly with me to serve everyone in southwest Michigan.

Over the summer, I was able to be deeply engaged in community events, coffee hours and local government meetings, and I have observed how individuals do not subscribe to everything the major political parties represent. There is not an “average citizen” when it comes to political ideals and leanings.  It is invigorating meeting each and every unique citizen, and I’m honored to represent and hear their views.  It is equally invigorating bringing that reminder to my colleagues at the Capitol on both sides of the aisle.

I have encountered a host of virtuous and unique citizens over the summer in southwest Michigan, and I came to find that although most didn’t subscribe to a simple one-party view, the opposition to a 45-cent gas tax was nearly unanimous.  Of the hundreds of encounters I have had over the last few months in the 78th district, I have only had three constituents voice support for the governor’s gas tax increase. However, after describing the new formula the governor wants to create the would focus funding on the most traveled roads (i.e. Detroit), rather than the current formula of spreading funding equally across the state, those constituents opposed it.

I am not here to speak negatively about our governor (if you ever see me speaking disparagingly about another, please give me a gentle rebuke), I seek only to do what is best for our district and make sure that Berrien and Cass counties get a fair return for the taxes we pay. Instead of the taxes increases the governor wants, the House budget passed two months ago puts an additional $800 million into our roads system without raising taxes.  I try to bring the southwest Michigan principles that are fiscally responsible with me to the Capitol.  My office and I will be doing our best to listen, work with, and understand others who think differently.